courageous

adjective

kə-ˈrā-jəs How to pronounce courageous (audio)
Definition of courageousnext
as in brave
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament the courageous decision to quit rather than obey an illegal order

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of courageous President Harry Truman’s courageous decision to support the United Nations in defending the South against invasion from the North laid the foundation for today’s remarkably successful Republic of Korea. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 But no revelation is as courageous or groundbreaking as Panettiere’s description of her experience with postpartum depression. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Level 5 of sustaining character across context and under stress is not reached by resolving to be more humble, or more courageous. — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 The sun in Leo is expressive, vivacious and deeply courageous. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for courageous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courageous
  1. brave
  2. fearless
  3. valiant
  4. heroic
  5. gallant
  6. bold
Adjective
  • All 18,000 tickets had been given to anyone willing to brave long lines.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Set the scene Anyone brave enough to travel long-haul with young children will appreciate the speedy 30-minute transfer time—and the excitement of a seaplane—between Malé and Lux* South Ari Atoll.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of brave
Adjective
  • This was the era when Parton discovered that her fearless purview and colorful fashion sense could attract fans well beyond her core country constituency.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Founded by Charles Tanqueray in London, the brand was built on a fearless pursuit of perfection — with over 300 versions created before the final London Dry expression was perfected.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of fearless
Adjective
  • On the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence Day, Field of Vision is launching a new documentary on Ukraine’s valiant fight to maintain its freedom.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
  • What would be the worst moment in a mere mortal’s career, Hoecht turned into a valiant scene.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of valiant
Adjective
  • The moment taps a broader wartime tradition in Ukraine, where heroic dogs, cats and rescuers become national emblems — and American gestures of solidarity carry growing political weight.
    — Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • These questions challenge candidates to acknowledge mistakes and share credit—the antithesis of their natural motivation to self-aggrandize and create a heroic image of their impact.
    — Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of heroic
Adjective
  • Clearly, Americans didn’t do gallant failure, instead demanding domination over mere participation every time.
    — Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 14 June 2026
  • Commandment was very gallant in defeat for trainer Brad Cox and looks to be on the improve after his seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.
    — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026
Definition of gallant
Adjective
  • For a bold and vibrant fall hair transformation, consider colors with warm tones that add depth and glow to your look.
    — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026
  • It's got a two-cartridge hybrid ink system that makes your documents look fresh and crisp with detailed text and bold colors.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of bold

Browse Nearby Words

courage
courageous
courageously
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Cite this Entry

“Courageous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courageous. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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